Youth

Feds
want to hear voices of youth

by
Shelagh Fitz

“If
you had a problem in the Black community, and you brought in a group of White
people to discuss how to solve it, almost nobody would take that panel seriously.
In fact, there’d probably be a public outcry. It would be the same the for
women’s issues or gay issues. But every day, in local arenas all the way to the
White House, adults sit around and decide what problems youth have and what
youth need, without ever consulting us.” — Jason, 17 years old, Youth Force
Member, Bronx, NY

Through a new initiative, youth will have the opportunity to have their
voices heard. Applications are now being accepted for the Pickering-Uxbridge
Constituency Youth Council. Open to youth aged 14 – 26, the Constituency Youth
Council is an opportunity for youth to contribute their own unique perspective
on government policy and issues that affect their communities. As a member of
the Constituency Youth Council, youth will have the opportunity to offer a
youth-focused viewpoint to Pickering-Uxbridge MP Jennifer O’Connell. Armed with
this information, and informed by the needs of all constituents, O’Connell can
return to Ottawa to speak with authority on issues that directly affect the
youth of today.

Uxbridge has featured many youth who
have taken it upon themselves to step up and offer change. Josh Morrison and
his Penny House for Habitat for Humanity, and the many students who have
participated in volun-tourism efforts in Central America, Africa and beyond are
just an example. South of the border, there has been much made of the youth in
Florida speaking out against gun violence, the NRA and slack gun laws. Youth
have shown over and over again that they have something to offer; they simply
need a platform upon which to be heard.

With this initiative,
politically-engaged youth may find they can elicit change on a greater,
country-wide scale. The council will also offer a window into the Canadian
political process and the constraints faced by even the most well-meaning
politicians.
The council will meet twice monthly. Interested
parties must complete and submit an application which is available at: https://goo.gl/forms/soYWafM000ikzcjB2.
The deadline to apply is February 7, 2019.